Roll of strip material having a separable core structure



J. L. PERRIN Oct. 26, 1965 ROLL OF STRIP MATERIAL HAVING A SEPARABLE GORE STRUCTURE Filed April 23, 1963 lllllllllllllll l llll INVENTOR. JA CK L. PEER/N BY MA/mA/EY, HALBEET 8:

HOENBAKEE Ame/V575 United States Patent 3,214,014 ROLL 0F STRIP MATERIAL HAVING A SEPARABLE CORE STRUCTURE Jack L. Perrin, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to Towlsaver, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Filed Apr. 23, 1963, Ser. No. 275,075 2 Claims. (Cl. 206-58) This invention relates to a core structure for a roll of strip material, such as a roll of toilet tissue, paper toweling, or the like.

It is well known to those skilled in the art that the winding of rolls of strip material such as paper toweling, toilet tissue, or the like, entails the utilization of a hollow, elongated cylindrical core which is customarily fabricated from cardboard or similar material. The rolls of strip material incorporating such cores are customarily supported by the location of bearing bosses in the opposite extremities of the core, said bearing bosses being adapted to permit the rotation of the roll of strip material in order that lengths of strip material may be dispensed from said roll.

However, when the roll of strip material is consumed, difliculty is frequently encountered in dislodging the aforementioned cores from operative relationship with the associated bearing bosses. This is due to the fact that the core structure has to be of a length sufficient to permit the adequate support of the core upon the bearing bosses and it is frequently a tedious and time-consuming task to dislodge the core structure from operative engagement with the associated bosses.

This is particularly true in the case of public washrooms where the attendants must mount and dismount large numbers of rolls of toilet tissue and paper toweling and the time consumed in mounting and dismounting rolls is greatly increased by the difficulties inherent in the mounting and dismounting of the core structures.

It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide an article of manufacture which is constituted by a roll of strip material having a core incorporated therein which will automatically fall apart when the strip material is consumed. Therefore, the necessity for removing the core from operative relationship with the associated bearings is eliminated.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a roll of strip material incorporating a core which consists of a plurality of parts which are maintained in operative engagement with one another by the roll of strip material disposed in encompassing relationship therewith. The roll of strip material is wound about the core during the formation of the roll of strip material and the core serves as a unitary support for the roll of strip material until the consumption of the roll of strip material.

Another object of my invention is the provision in a roll of strip material of a core structure consisting of a plurality of separable cylindrical components which are adapted to serve as bearings for the roll of strip material but which, when the roll of strip material has been consumed, may be separated in order that the core may be readily dismounted from operative relationship with the associated bearing bosses.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a core structure for a roll of strip material which is constituted by a plurality of separable cylindrical components of unequal length, said components being characterized by the fact that they are adapted to be maintained in operative relationship with each other until the complete consumption of the roll of strip material, and to be separated from operative relationship with each other when such complete consumption occurs in order that they may be readily dismounted from the associated bearing bosses.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a core structure of the aforementioned character wherein the separate cylindrical components are maintained in operative relationship by the encompassing strip material and are adapted to automatically fall from operative relationship with each other upon the consumption of said strip material.

An additional object of my invention is the provision of a core structure of the aforementioned type wherein the separable components of the core structure are temporarily maintained in operative relationship with each other by a tear strip or similar expedient, said tear strip being rendered accessible when the material of the roll of strip material encompassing said core structure is consumed in order that the components of the core structure may be separated from operative engagement with each other.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a core structure for a roll of strip material which is characterized by the provision of a plurality of semi-cylindrical elements which are disposed with their edges in abutting relationship with one another in order to provide a support for the roll of strip material during the manufacture and dispensing thereof, said semi-cylindrical components being adapted to be separated from each other upon the consumption of the roll of strip material encompassing the same.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawing which is for the purpose of illustration only, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a vertical, sectional view showing a typical separable core structure incorporated in a roll of strip material;

FIG. 2 is a vertical, partly sectional view of the core structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional View showing the manner in which the core elements of the core structure may be maintained in operative relationship with each other prior to their being encompassed by the roll of strip material;

FIG. 4 is a vertical, partly sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the core structure of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a vertical, partly sectional view of another embodiment of the core structure of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a vertical, sectional view of another embodiment of the core structure of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal, partly sectional view of still another embodiment of the core structure of the invention.

Referring to the drawing, and particularly to FIGS. 1-2 thereof, I show a core structure 10 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention and consituted by a pair of core elements constituted by cylindrical bodies 12 which may be formed from cardboard, plastic, or the like, and which are disposed in end-to-end relationship within an encompassing roll 16 of strip material.

In the core structure 10 of FIGS. l-2, the cylindrical bodies 12 constituting said core structure are maintained with their extremities in abutting relationship by the encompassing roll 16 of strip material. In other words, when the roll 16 of strip material is wound, the cylindrical bodies 12 are placed in juxtaposition to each other upon a supporting mandrel with no operative connection therebetween. Subsequently, the roll 16 of strip material is wound in encompassing relationship with the cylindrical bodies 12 and serves to maintain the juxtaposed extremities of said cylindrical bodies in operative relationship with each other in the manner shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings until such time as the roll 16 of strip material is completely consumed.

When the complete consumption of the roll 16 of strip material is accomplished, if the roll 16 has been supported by the location of bearing bosses, not shown, in the opposite extremities of the core structure 10, the cylindrical bodies 12 constituting the core structure will be automatically dismounted from operative relationship with the bearing bosses or can be readily removed from operative relationship therewith by merely grasping said cylindrical bodies and pulling them from the associated bearing bosses.

In another form of core structure the cylindrical bodies 22 are maintained in operative relationship with each other by a strip of tape 24 having a pressure sensitive adhesive thereupon. Therefore, the cylindrical bodies 22 constituting the core structure 20 are assembled in operative relationship with each other by the aflixation of the tape 24 about their juxtaposed extremities prior to the deposition of the core structure 20 in operative relationship with a winding mandrel, not shown. After the core structure 20 has been deposited upon the winding mandrel a roll of strip material similar to the roll 16 can be wound in encompassing relationship with the core structure 20. It is also feasible to secure the extremities of the cylindrical bodies 22 in operative relationship with each other by applying a plurality of strips of tape lengthwise of the core structure 20.

When the roll of strip material embodying the core structure 20 is completely consumed, the juxtaposed extremities of the cylindrical bodies 22 constituting said core structure will be exposed and the tape 24 may be removed from overlying relationship with said juxtaposed extremities to permit the cylindrical bodies 22 to be removed from operative relationship with bearing bosses, not shown, upon which said core structure is mounted.

An alternative embodiment 30 of the core structure of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawings as including a plurality of cylindrical elements or bodies 32 and 34. The cylindrical bodies 32 and 34 are of unequal length and are adapted to be maintained in operative relationship with each other by an encompassing roll of strip material. As in the case of the previously discussed embodiments of the invention, the consumption of the encompassing roll of strip material, not shown, will expose the juxtaposed extremities of the cylindrical bodies 32 and 34. This permits the cylindrical bodies 32 and 34 to either fall from operative relationship with the associated bearing bosses or to be readily removed from operative relationship therewith by grasping the same.

In this manner, the customary tedious task of removing the unitary core of a roll of strip material from operative relationship with the associated bearing bosses is eliminated. Moreover, the facility with which the core structure of the present invention may be dismounted from the associated bearing supports, not shown, simplifies greatly the installation of a substitute roll of strip material in operative relationship with the bearing supports therefor.

It should be understood that the cylindrical bodies 32 and 34 constituting the core structures 30 may be maintained in operative relationship with each other by a strip of tape, such as the tape 24 utilized in maintaining the cylindrical bodies 22 of the core structure 20 in operative relationship with each other.

Illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawing is an alternative embodiment 40 of the core structure of the invention which is constituted by a plurality of cylindrical members 42 of equal length, said plurality being constituted by three of said members. As in the case of the previously discussed embodiments of the invention, the cylindrical members 42 have their extremities maintained in operative relationship with each other by an encompassing roll of strip material, not shown.

. Because of the somewhat smaller length of the bodies 42, the displacement thereof from operative engagement with each other upon the consumption of the encompassing roll of strip material is facilitated since the centrally located cylindrical body 42 tends to automatically drop from operative relationship with the oppositely disposed end cylindrical bodies 42 which can then be readily removed from operative engagement with the associated bearing supports.

Still another embodiment of the core structure of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6 of the drawings as constituted by a plurality of cylindrical bodies including end elements or bodies 52 of equal length and an intermediate element or body 54 of considerably greater length than either of the end bodies. It is desirable that the end bodies 52 be of a length substantially equal to the length of the bearing bosses located therein and that the intermediate body 54 be located inwardly of the extremities of the bearing bosses. As in the case of the previously discussed embodiments of the invention, the cylindrical bodies 52 and 54 are maintained in operative relationship with each other by the encompassing roll of strip material.

Of course, it is also possible to temporarily secure the extremitiesof the cylindrical bodies of the embodiments of FIGS. 46 of the drawings in operative relationship with each other by pressure sensitive tape disposed in encompassing relationship with the juxtaposed extremities of said bodies.

However, when the roll of strip material is consumed, the centrally located or intermediate cylindrical body 54 drops from operative relationship with the end cylindrical bodies 52 permitting said end cylindrical bodies 52 to be readily removed fom operative relationship with the associated bearing bosses.

Another embodiment of the core structure of my invention is illustrated in FIG. 7 of the drawings as including two semi-cylindrical body members 62 which have their edges 64 maintained in operative relationship with one another by means of strips of tape 66 incorporating a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive.

During the fabrication of the associated roll of strip material, not shown, the core structure 60 is placed in encompassing relationship with a supporting mandrel, not shown, and the roll of strip material wound thereupon. Upon consumption of the roll of strip material, the core structure 60 is exposed, permitting the tape 66 to be removed from operative relationship therewith, and permitting the semi-cylindrical bodies 62 to fall from operative relationship with the associated bearing structure, not shown.

In an alternative form of the invention, not shown, the core structure is constituted by an elongated cylindrical body which incorporates a single slit extending from one extremity thereof to the other. Therefore, when the supply of material upon the core is exposed, the juxtaposed edges of the core can be spread apart to permit the core to be removed from encompassing relationship with the supporting structure therefor.

I thus provide by my invention, a core structure for a roll of strip material which is constituted by a plurality of separable core elements which are adapted, alternatively, to be maintained in operative relationship with one another and by the encompassing roll of strip material or by means of pressure sensitive tape or similar means. The provision of a core structure of the aforementioned character facilitates the dismounting of the core structure from operative relationship with the associated bearing bosses when the roll of strip material encompassing the core structure has been completely consumed.

This is due to the fact that, where the core structure elements are maintained in operative relationship by the encompassing roll of strip material, the consumption of the roll of strip material will permit the elements constituting the core to fall automatically from operative relationship with the associated bearing bosses. Where the elements constituting the core structure are held together by pressure sensitive tape, they may be readily released from operative relationship with one another by removal of the tape or by pressing upon the juxtaposed extremities of the elements to dislodge them from operative engagement with one another.

I claim:

1. In a roll of toilet tissue, the combination of: a core structure consisting of a plurality of elongated elements disposed in abutting relationship to define a continuous bore completely encompassed by said elements, said elements being completely unattached to each other although disposed in said abutting relationship; and a roll of toilet tissue wound upon said core structure, the innermost layers of said roll encompassing said elements and maintaining said elements in abutting relationship with each other, said innermost layers being unattached to said elements in any way other than by the mere physical Winding of said innermost layers about said elements so that, when said innermost layers of tissue are unwound from said elements, said elements will freely separate from each other to release them from said abutting relationship.

2. In a roll of toilet issue, the combination of: a core structure consisting of a plurality of cylindrical, elongated separable core elements disposed in abutting relationship to define a continuous bore completely encompased by said elements, said elements being completey unattached to each other although disposed in said abutting relationship; and a roll of toilet tissue wound upon said core structure, the innermost layers of said roll encompassing said elements and maintaining said elements in abutting relationship with each other, said innermost layers being unattached to said elements in any way other than by the mere physical winding of said innermost layers about said elements so that, when said innermost layers of tissue are unwound from said elements, said elements will freely separate from each other to release them from said abutting relationship.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 191,554 6/77 Stanton 20652 785,822 3/05 Mitchem -r 206- 972,667 10/10 Wheeler. 1,126,710 2/15 Conry. 1,526,785 2/25 Hansen 206-58 FOREIGN PATENTS 871,529 6/61 Great Britain.

THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner.

GEORGE O. RALSTON, Examiner. 

1. IN A ROLL OF TIOLET TISSUE, THE COMBINATION OF: A CORE STRUCTURE CONSISTING OF A PLURALITY OF ELONGATED ELEMENTS DISPOSED IN ABUTTING RELATIONSHIP OF DEFINE A CONTINUOUS BORE COMPLETELY ENCOMPASSED BY SAID ELEMENTS, SAID ELEMENTS BEING COMPLETELY UNATTACHED TO EACH OTHER ALTHOUGH DISPOSED IN SAID ABUTTING RELATIONSHIP; A ROLL OF TIOLET TISSUE WOUND UPON SAID CORE STRUCTURE, THE INNERMOST LAYERS OF SAID ROLL ENCOMPASSING SAID ELEMTNS AND MAINTAINING SAID ELEMENTS IN ABUTTING RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OTHER, SAID INNERMOST LAYERS BEING UNATTACHED TO SAID ELEMENTS IN ANY WAY OTHER THAN BY THE MERE PHYSICAL WINDING OF SAID INNERMOST LAYERS ABOUT SAID ELEMENTS SO THAT WHEN SAID INNERMOST LAYERS OF TISSUE ARE UNWOUND FROM SAID ELEMENTS, SAID ELEMENTS WILL FREELY SEPARATE FROM EACH OTHER TO RELEASE THEM FROM SAID ABUTTING RELATIONSHIP. 